Androgens and oestrogens in normal and cryptorchid stallions

Total androgens, testosterone and total oestrogens were measured in twenty-one intact, nine unilaterally cryptorchid, three bilaterally cryptorchid stallions and four geldings. Total oestrogens were significantly higher (P less than 0-005) and total androgens significantly lower (P less than 0-05) in the bilateral cryptorchid compared to other groups. There was a significant (P less than 0-025) day and night variation in total androgen levels. Thyroidectomized and intact animals showed a marked decrease in total androgen as well as testosterone levels during the winter period thus showing an effect of season on androgenic function of the testis. Disappearance rate of total and androgens following castration was extremely rapid and levels were undectable within 12 hr. Sexual stimulation appeared to increase total androgen levels. Testosterone, androstenedione, dihydrotestosterone, androstandiols, and androstenediol were identified in spermatic vein blood. Dihydrotestosterone was measured in fluid from the cauda epididymidis.